Community Leaders Forcing Idai Victims To Have Sex For Food

Mozambique authorities have been urged to investigate into cases of sexual abuse alleged tobe perpetrated to victims of cyclone Idai.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday said community leaders, some linked to the ruling Frelimo party, have coerced women into having sex in exchange for “a bag of rice”. Dewa Mavhinga, HRW’s Southern Africa director said:

The sexual exploitation of women struggling to feed their families after Cyclone Idai is revolting and cruel and should be stopped immediately.

Emergency aid should be given freely to all people in need, and the government along with aid providers should ensure that aid distribution is never used as an opportunity to commit abuse.

One aid worker said that often the lists exclude households headed by women leaving them desperate and vulnerable as they become prepared to do anything to have food.

Related:

• Drunk Man Murdered After Asking For Sexual Favours 
• Soldiers In Marondera Accused Of Demanding Free, Unprotected Sex From Dombotombo Sex Workers
• Soldiers Seize Journalist For Probing Politicisation Of Idai Relief Donations – Report 

More: The Chronicle